Wedding Surprises
Chapter 3 – Wedding Surprises
The week leading up to the wedding went quickly for them, the Burrow had been made to look even more spick and span than it normally did, there were still the old things that made the home unique but everything was neater and in the fields were several wizarding tents to hold everyone prior to the wedding. Everyone had to be vetted by the several Aurors stationed at the Burrow at all times and all those who knew about it kept the wedding as a secret. Hermione hexed a piece of parchment so that if you told or tried to tell anyone about the wedding you would have a nasty hex placed on you. At first people were slightly afraid of Harry as he walked around with a phoenix on his shoulder, however, after awhile everyone got used to it. Everyone helped get ready for the wedding because the Weasley family had decided that they didn't want to hire out and that they would do all the work themselves, they were very grateful for the help that people gave and for awhile they could all forget about the impending attacks that would surely hit soon.
One day Harry was helping to clear out the attic with Ron, Hermione and Ginny when he suddenly had a thought. "Hermione, in the wizarding world is it still customary to give wedding gifts?" he asked.
"Um, yes Harry, I completely forgot what in Merlin's name are we going to do?" she asked gloomily. They had all forgotten to get a gift and they were not allowed to go into Diagon Alley or any other shopping place for that matter. They went back to their cleaning each deep in thought as to what they could give.
Surprisingly it fell to Fred and George to measure them for their dress robes and for a long time they did not understand why it was Fred and George. However, then it was explained to them in the twin speak that only Fred and George could manage.
"We are placing charms…"
"on the clothing, Harry do you…"
"remember us showing you shield…"
"hats and other shield products?"
"Yes, of course," said Harry.
"Well, everyone is having…"
"the shield charm placed…"
"on their clothing, in order to…"
"shield from some of the simple…"
"spells."
"Guys that's brilliant, you will make a lot of money from that and maybe other people may start thinking of doing that all the time," said Ginny.
As it started getting closer to the wedding and Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna and Neville had all managed to get a present for the couple, it was only Harry that just could not work out what to give them. It was explained to him that he did not have to give the traditional utensil for the kitchen or something useful, it could actually be anything. In the meantime he hung around with Neville and Luna lots, as well as his other friends and he got to know them better.
Then it was the day before the wedding and everyone who had been helping was relaxing in the kitchen of the Burrow after dinner. Everyone had agreed that it was time for a rest as tensions seemed to be running high. Suddenly Harry's shoulder felt like it was on fire and he didn't understand why until Neville turned to him in order to ask him to pass something when he gasped "Harry, Fawkes is burning up, you need to get out of here, now." All attention was on Harry as he ran from the room and rushed to where he was sharing a room with Ron.
He hurriedly placed Fawkes on his flat perch in order for him to be more comfortable as he was reborn from his ashes. This burning however was more spectacular than normal and lasted a longer time. Finally the phoenix was reborn. Immediately Harry could feel a presence in his head.
"Hullo young one, you are my bonded," stated the phoenix.
"Hullo old one, you are my bonded," stated Harry. The phoenix was satisfied they had completed the traditional bonding ritual. They then proceeded to have a more normal conversation slowly losing the politeness that was present and proceeding to a familiarity that one can only have in bonding to a phoenix.
"My name is Harry, do you have any preference as to what you are called?" asked Harry.
"No I have no preference, I would like you to name me," the phoenix replied. Harry thought for awhile.
"How about Pengyou (AN: pronounced Pungyo) when Cho Chang used to talk about her friends that is what she called them. It means friend and I think that is probably the best description for you," said Harry.
"hmm Pengyou that seems appropriate and who may I ask is Cho Chang?" asked Pengyou teasingly.
"Former girlfriend, not so nice it turns out," replied Harry slightly embarrassed. They carried on talking in this way for approximately two hours before Harry noticed that Pengyou had regrown his feathers and looked a lot better than he had before. Pengyou was streaked black, purple and gold, he had the same emerald coloured eyes as Harry and on his paw he had a small lightening bolt and he looked magnificent. Harry told him as much "hmph I guess so, now how about I go meet everyone, hang on can I scare them?" asked Pengyou cheekily.
"No, at least not at first. First we will go and greet them normally, then you can scare them, although tomorrow you must behave as there is a wedding," replied Harry making his way down to the kitchen with Pengyou on his shoulder.
When he walked in there was a stunned silence as it seemed as though no one had ever seen such a magnificent phoenix before. Everyone this is Pengyou, formerly Fawkes. Pengyou flew around singing his phoenix song while Harry mentally told him who everyone was. Each time Harry indicated to someone Pengyou flew down onto that persons shoulder. Everyone in the kitchen was silent as Harry and Pengyou made their way through the whole crowd.
Then Harry turned to them and said "Sorry, I was just introducing you all to Pengyou, he now knows who each of you is and so will be able to help you if in trouble." The whole gang nodded their thanks and after awhile everyone went back to their conversations and Ginny then turned to Harry and exclaimed quietly "Harry, your shoulder needs looking at, I think Pengyou burned it when he was in his burning stage." The mention of his shoulder made it start to itch a bit and Harry realised that he needed it healed, however, he also knew that he needed to placate Ginny "Gin, it is fine don't worry about it, that is actually normal when being bonded to a phoenix, it is actually supposed to happen, part of the bonding ceremony." Pengyou had come to rest on Harry's injured shoulder and after a minute or so Harry could feel the itch going away and he knew that it had been healed, he gave a mental "Thanks Pengyou"
"My pleasure Harry, by the way you will now notice a small mark on your shoulder in the shape of a phoenix it indicates that we are bonded, just as I have some of your markings," replied Pengyou.
"That's cool, better get back to the general conversation! Other people may think I am going mad!" said Harry. Harry then turned to Ginny and said "all better now, although apparently I now have a mark in the shape of a phoenix on my shoulder!" He started laughing quietly with Ginny joining in after awhile. That was when Mrs Weasley decided that it was time for bed and so everyone made it wearily up the stairs. Most of the house went to sleep very quickly everyone except Harry, instead he was trying to work out what he should give to Fleur and Bill. After awhile Pengyou decided to ask him "Harry, little one, what is it? What has got you so bothered?"
"I cannot work out what to give Bill and Fleur for their wedding tomorrow, do you have any ideas?" Harry asked pleadingly.
"Hmm, little one I think I do, now here is what you do…" Pengyou gave Harry his idea and having added his present to the pile downstairs he fell asleep contently.
Harry and everyone else staying at the Burrow was woken up at 7 o'clock with a large shout from Mrs Weasley, "EVERYONE TIME TO GET UP NOW!" No one dared disobey her as it seemed as though she was in an anxious mood. Breakfast was a short affair and was mostly held in a sleepy sort of silence. After breakfast they were told to put on old normal clothes as they had to get the tables ready for later and they had to de-gnome the garden. They had great fun at the de-gnoming until there was a huge line of gnomes walking very disgruntled away from the Burrow. Next they had to put the tables up and then place chairs and set the tables. They had been told that the board that would tell them where they were all sitting would appear later on after the ceremony as was custom. It was getting close to 9:30 when Mrs Weasley then said, "Ok everyone that's fine, now all the ladies to the left hand side of the house and all the men to the right hand side. You will find your clothes in your respective sides, that means everyone including guests." The whole party scrambled to get to their respective sides to put their robes on and everyone was well satisfied with the clothes made for them. The men finished first and so made their way downstairs first, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-eye Moody then decided that they had to make sure that the wards were all up and all the security was in place. The other men had nothing else to do but sit around and wait and try to soothe Bill's nerves at his upcoming wedding. Charlie busied himself with charming the cameras to be invisible and to be spread around the Burrow ground floor and the garden. Harry himself was nervous because he had never been to a wedding before and he was kicking himself mentally because he had not even read up about one. He had no idea what customs to expect or what was going to happen.
Then the women started to process down the stairs. By that time Shacklebolt and Moody had come back and all the men were in awe of the women. The Procession started with Professor McGonagall leading the way and many people were in awe of the fact that she actually had her hair down for the occasion. Kingsley Shacklebolt escorted her to stand in place by the door and then went and stood opposite her. The rest of the women followed and were escorted by the other men. After Shacklebolt and McGonagall, came Hagrid and Madame Maxime, Doris Crockford and Moody, Mrs Figg and Mundungus Fletcher, Mrs Longbottom and Mr Lovegood, Tonks in her natural form with a glowing Remus, Neville looking extremely handsome in his red dress robes clinging onto Luna who was in misty blue, Ron escorted a blushing Hermione, Fred and George then moved into place escorting one of Fleur's cousins and Rina one of Fleur's friends, finally Ginny arrived looking so glamorous in the green dress almost the colour of Harry's eyes that Harry had a hard time stopping himself from staring at her, then Gabrielle, Fleur's sister was escorted by Charlie Weasley as the bridesmaid and best man respectively, Mr Weasley clutched the arm of Mrs Delacour while Mr Delacour held his arm out for Mrs Weasley. Finally Fleur walked down the stairs slowly letting everyone see her in her beautiful white dress. Bill walked nervously towards her and then with more confidence offered her his arm to walk towards their place in the two lines.
When everyone was in place Fleur and Bill turned towards their respective lines and with a wave of their wands and a short incantation that Harry could not make out they started walking up their lines slowly. When Bill or Fleur stood in front of one of the guests that guest would glow slightly, then they would move on. When Bill reached Harry (who had Pengyou on his shoulder) he glowed a lot more, Bill was slightly surprised but then moved on quickly. At last they finished and after a short conversation between themselves Fleur announced in her broken English
"Ze Master of ze ceremony iz 'Arry Potter and ze Mistress of ze ceremony iz Ginny Weazley, zey are allowed for zis day only to do ze magic for ze ceremony." Everyone looked at Harry and Ginny in surprise Harry didn't actually understand what was going on so he decided to have a chat with Pengyou.
"Pengyou, I don't understand what does this mean? And why is everyone looking so surprised at Ginny and I?" Harry asked as he watched Bill and Fleur start to walk outside.
"Harry, offer your arm to Ginny now and start to follow Bill and Fleur. Ok this means that you and Ginny are the most powerful wizard and witch of this group. That is why everyone is looking so surprised. It is tradition for the most powerful witch and wizard to be the people who marry the couple, everyone who goes to a wizard wedding memorizes the words to marry the people and knows what to do. So I am going to assume that you haven't done this so I guess I will mentally tell you what to say and then you will say it. Is that ok young one?' asked Pengyou.
"Yeah, thanks old one, I appreciate your help, I didn't realise that I would have to do something in the wedding," Harry said as he stopped in front of Fleur and Bill. He looked over at Ginny nervously, she smiled at him and squeezed his hand reassuringly, it helped that he knew she had faith in him and knew that he didn't want the attention it warranted. He turned back to the people around him and he saw that everyone was creating a circle around them. He then heard Pengyou tell him what to do and when, as soon as the last person had filled the circle he began the ceremony.
"Let the ceremony begin, if you please Mistress," Harry said bowing formally to Ginny as Mistress.
"We are here to witness the joining of two people dear to us and consequently two families," started Ginny.
"The two people we have the honour of joining together are Fleur Arianne Delacour and William Charles Weasley," said Harry.
"Their union will join them together forever but first we are present to understand who these two people are and why they are destined to be together," said Ginny.
"I first met Fleur when we were competing in the Triwizard tournament," started Harry immediately feeling the grief that the words Triwizard tournament brought for him, he would not be forgetting Cedric soon, he carried on "I could tell that she was a strong good witch capable of many things, compassionate and caring, so Bill you better look after her well." With that he turned to Ginny for her to talk about Bill.
"Bill is one of my older brothers but probably the brother that has looked after me the most. Now I have to give him to Fleur and yet I know that she will look after him and they will be a good couple," said Ginny, it seemed to Harry that maybe her attitude had changed towards Fleur and Harry was glad. Harry then turned back to Fleur and started the next ritualistic words,
"Fleur if you would repeat after me: I, Fleur Arianne Delacour,"
"I, Fleur Arianne Delacour,"
"Do willingly bond to William Charles Weasley,"
"Do willingly bond to William Charles Weasley,"
"and I will look after him through rise and fall,"
"and I will look after him through rise and fall."
"William if you would repeat these words: I, William Charles Weasley," started Ginny.
"I, William Charles Weasley,"
"Do willingly bond to Fleur Arianne Delacour,"
"Do willingly bond to Fleur Arianne Delacour,"
"and I will protect her night and day,"
"and I will protect her night and day."
With the vows completed Harry and Ginny said the next part in tandem as was customary "Bring forth the rings." Gabrielle brought forth the ring for Fleur to place on Bill's hand while Charlie brought the ring to place on Fleur's hand. Simultaneously with a nod from Ginny and Harry they placed the rings on the respective hands . Still in tandem Harry and Ginny said "clasp your hands together" Then they started chanting with their wands moving simultaneously to create the sign for new union and by the end of the charm the previously simple rings had changed. Fleur's had changed to create an image of a bird with a large bill. Bill's had changed to discreet flower.
"May we present, Bill and Fleur Weasley-Delacour!" finished Harry and Ginny.
As soon as they had been presented thus Pengyou lifted off from Harry's shoulder and sang a song of blessing. The whole party was quiet as the beautiful song was heard. It seemed to bring even more joy into the hearts of every single person attending. At the end everyone clapped in appreciation as Pengyou landed back on Harry's shoulder, then they all turned back to Harry, Ginny, Bill and Fleur in expectance for the next part. Harry sighed when he realised that their duty had not finished yet and so asked Pengyou mentally what came next.
"If everyone could please make their way over to the tables it is time for the great lunch provided by my…Mrs Weasley," said Ginny unsure of what to call her mother in such a formal occasion.
"The panel over next to the tables will tell you which tables you are to sit at," said Harry. The circle around them started to move towards the tables in an orderly fashion and soon it was just Bill, Fleur, Harry and Ginny left. They slowly made their way over to the last table which Charlie and Gabrielle were sitting at already. Soon everyone was eating and drinking and laughing.
"Thank you Harry, Ginny that was very well done, we can't thank you enough," said Bill to the exhausted Master and Mistress of the ceremony, then he went back to eating with gusto the only recognisable trait apart from the scars that he had been mauled by Fenrir the werewolf.
"Well, thank goodness we can have a rest now, although I am guessing that we have more duties later, am I right Gin?" asked Harry quietly.
"Yes we have more duties later, I am glad of the rest although I am curious as to how come you didn't know that we have more duties later?" asked Ginny.
"To tell the truth Ginny, and please don't tell anyone else it is embarrassing enough already but I have never been to a wedding before, I didn't know that we had to all memorize the words and so forth. What I am also curious to know is how come we were the most powerful witch and wizard here because there has to be stronger in this company," he said indicating the many already powerful witches and wizards they were sitting with.
"That was a surprise, I didn't think that any of us kids had a chance of doing the ceremony, it is very rare and I don't think badly of you for not knowing anything about what was going to happen. The only other person who wouldn't know would be Hermione but knowing Hermione she probably read a book about it. Anyway how did you manage to get the ritual words correct?" Ginny asked curiously, they were still talking in quiet tones so as not to be overheard.
"Pengyou was telling me what to say through our link, he was very helpful," started Harry, however as he was about to go on he was interrupted by a very loud noise of exclamation from the Weasley twins. He turned round to see Fred and George staring at Remus in disbelief, then they turned to Harry.
"Harry, why didn't you tell us,"
"that the man we know as Remus Lupin,"
"is in fact one of the Marauders," asked the twins.
Harry sighed as he had known this day would come when he had to explain to the twins the whole story, however, he would wait until they were in private later on. He looked at Remus as he replied,
"Guys, as your friend, as the person who started your joke shop financially you need to trust me when I tell you that I could not tell you. I would have if I could because I know how much you idolise them, and I will tell you the story later on today, but not now. Instead why don't you ask Remus here for a few ideas for the joke shop." The twins looked slightly startled at the seriousness of Harry's reply but they respected his honesty and decided to wait for the whole story later on. They went back to their meals with Harry giving a short apology to Bill and Fleur for the interruption of their wedding meal. They however, were looking at Harry in shock,
"Harry, you actually funded them?" asked Bill.
"Um yes I guess I did, don't worry your mother already knows about it, I figured that we all needed a laugh and they have done that but they are also making serious objects as well," said Harry self consciously, he still stood by the decision he had made with regards to the thousand galleons he had given the twins, he hoped that Bill would not chastise him for giving them the money as the Weasley's were very poor and they didn't especially like charity. Instead of the expected telling off however, Bill just threw back his head and laughed, soon enough their whole table was laughing. Harry however came out of it when Pengyou said "Harry, it is time for the Best man's speech, you need to introduce him."
"Oh, ok, thanks Pengyou, I don't know what I would have done today without you," Harry said sincerely.
"Little one, you will always have me, you were very loyal to Dumbledore and that is why he wanted you to have me. He would have been very proud of you today as you don't enjoy the attention given to you and you have borne it well. Now, let us get back to the ceremony," replied Pengyou.
Harry stood up and clanging his glass with his fork to get everyone's attention he said "and now the best man." Charlie stood up while Harry sat back down.
"First of all I would like to thank the master and mistress of ceremonies for the wonderful job they are doing. Please raise a glass to Harry and Ginny." Everyone raised their glasses and murmured "Harry and Ginny."
"Now onto my real job, to talk about Bill and Fleur. Well Bill, I don't think you could have picked a nicer girl to marry and Fleur same goes for you. I think it is admirable that you guys have bonded together as I expect it will be a long while before any of you will have the privilege of seeing me bonded. However, I would like to say that I am very happy to welcome a new sister to our family so please everyone let us acknowledge Bill and Fleur, may you have long lives and good fortune." "Bill and Fleur." Again everyone drank in their honour.
Ginny then stood up to announce, "Now it is time for the cake." With this announcement Bill and Fleur took their place in front of the cake and with encouragement they cut it together, each closing their eyes to make a wish. When they had finished cutting, Harry said another incantation and music could be heard throughout the garden and then indicated to Bill and Fleur that they should share their first dance as newly bonded. Harry watched as they danced looking into each other's eyes and he knew that one day he wanted to have such a bond with someone, and his thoughts flew to Ginny standing next to him. The feeling of nervousness was back but with it a sense of excitement. The music had changed indicating that anyone could dance.
"Ginny, would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" asked Harry while he had the nerve.
"Of course, Harry," replied Ginny and with that they moved out onto the dance floor where several other couples were already dancing. Harry had not felt such a carefree spirit in awhile and Ginny could sense that for once Harry was really happy.
Meanwhile at one of the tables, Ron had also just got up the nerve to ask Hermione to ask and to his delight she had accepted him. As they were dancing Ron looked over towards where Harry and his sister were dancing and said to Hermione "He is really happy Hermione, I wish we could always see him this way."
"I know Ron, I think involving Ginny with our plans is the best course of action to try to keep his happiness. They are really made for each other, don't you think?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, 'Mione, I think he is, and so do my brothers or else I think that they would have broken them up by now," Ron said contently enjoying his dance as well.
Harry and Ginny continued dancing for most of the afternoon along with many other couples. Soon enough a more formal dance started and instead of stopping dancing as most of the couples did because to most it was an unknown dance, Harry and Ginny carried on. They slipped into the formal dance as if they were born simply to dance in this manner. Their moves were perfect and everyone had stopped to watch them. Harry and Ginny were oblivious to everyone else as they danced as they were too caught up in themselves and the rhythm. Then the music stopped as quickly as it had started leaving Harry and Ginny in their finishing poses. Without thinking Harry swooped down to Ginny's level and gave her a deep kiss. However, cheering and whooping of the Weasley clan interrupted the kiss. Harry and Ginny looked up startled at all the attention and both of them blushed and looked in different directions. They were also both startled at the reactions of Ginny's brothers, as it was known that they would do anything to protect Ginny especially in dating guys.
"Harry, Ginny, don't look so startled everyone here knows that you are meant for each other," started Charlie.
"It was in the way you danced together," explained Mrs Weasley coming up to give them both a hug simultaneously "only people meant to be together can accomplish that kind of dancing." Then suddenly they were hugged by every Weasley at the party. The rest of the party was laughing when Harry said in a small voice from somewhere in the middle of the pile of people "um guys, we kinda need to breath here." Abashed the Weasley's released them and the dancing and party went on again.
"Harry, you know that the last few weeks have been the best of my life so far, so I want you to know that I think I agree we are meant to be together, it kinda feels right," said Ginny a little hesitantly when they managed to be alone together.
"Gin, I think that I also agree, it is just that I don't want you to get hurt that was the only reason that I tried to break up with you before. I think Ginerva Weasley that we are right to be together and I promise to never try to break us apart again," replied Harry trying to reassure Ginny a little bit.
"We have to shake on that Harry because I don't think I could stand it if you do that again, I need to be with you always," she said holding out her hand in readiness. Harry shook it solemnly and then he started to dance with her again in the silence following the promise. Pengyou however, had to break the peace once again as he flew to where they were dancing "Harry, Ginny, you need to go back to your duties," the phoenix said gently. There was a groan from both of them, and they looked resigned. When suddenly Ginny asked Harry "How did I hear him as well?"
"I don't know love, Pengyou how come Ginny could hear you as well?" Harry asked.
"Later young ones, I will answer you after the ceremony finishes," said Pengyou and again both of them could hear him. Pengyou was stubborn in his answer and both knew that they would not be able to gain an answer until later. They moved back to where the rest of the guests were dancing and some were still eating cake.
"Now, it is time for the presents for the newly bonded, Mistress if you would be so kind as to start handing them out," asked Harry. Ginny began to fulfil his request. The present opening was a long process as there was a present from every single person present and they had finally reached the last one as the evening was setting in. Ginny had purposefully left Harry's present until last because her instincts told her that it would be worth the wait.
Bill started to slowly unwrap his present and when it was unwrapped you would have been able to hear a pin drop in the awestruck silence that filled the garden. In the package was a glass paperweight inscribed with Bill and Fleur Weasley-Delacour and the date. Inside the paperweight was a single phoenix feather coloured in black, purple and gold.
"'Arry, Pengyou, thank you zo much, zis iz very generous," said Fleur, while Bill was having a hard time in expressing his thanks, instead he bowed deeply to Pengyou who in turn gave a slight bow back. In the silence that reigned Ginny and Harry wearily said the words to end the ceremony and thus relieve them of their jobs:
"Thus concludes the ceremony."